When you deliver a Style guide should you give the client all the collateral files

[abigirlm72791156]

Hi everyone. I'm interested in starting to work on more brand style guides and I was wondering: When I give the client a style guide that shows how their flyers, billboards etc should look, should I give them the actual files for those designs aswell or should I just give a guideline of how it should look? Also, if I give them the actual files of the designs, how do I charge for that on top of the style guide.
Any advise will be greatly appreciated. TIA

[Yuni30081790vv0d]

When providing a brand style guide to a client, the decision to include the actual files of the designs or just guidelines depends on the agreement and scope of your project. Here are some factors to consider:

1. Client expectations: Discuss with your client what they expect to receive as part of the style guide. Some clients may only need guidelines and references to maintain consistency across their marketing materials. Others may require the actual design files for easy implementation and customization.

2. Scope and pricing: If providing the actual design files is outside the initial scope of the project or requires additional work, you can charge separately for that service. Determine the value of the files based on factors such as complexity, file formats, and usage rights. It's important to clearly communicate and agree upon the pricing and deliverables with the client in advance.

3. File formats: Consider providing design files in formats that are easily editable or customizable, such as layered PSD files, vector files (AI, EPS), or editable PDFs. Ensure that the files are properly organized and labeled, making it convenient for the client to make modifications.

4. Usage rights and licensing: Discuss with the client the terms of usage for the design files. Specify whether they have the right to make edits, whether the files are for their internal use only, or if they can be shared with external vendors. Consider including any necessary licensing or usage agreements to protect your work.

5. Backup and storage: Decide how you will handle file delivery and storage. You can provide the files via cloud storage services, FTP, or other secure methods. Make sure to retain backups of the files for your own records.

When it comes to pricing for providing design files, consider factors such as the complexity of the project, the time spent on creating the designs, and the value the files bring to the client. You can charge a flat fee or an additional percentage based on the total project cost. Alternatively, you may choose to offer the files as part of a higher-priced package or as an add-on service.

[rayek.elfin]

@Yuni30081790vv0dNice ChatGPT/generative AI generated answer!

(I am being ironic here)

[abigirlm72791156]

Thanks so much Yuni for the detailed response. I really appreciate it. It definitely shed more light for me.

[Nancy OShea · Accepted solution]

All depends on a) your written contract and b) the Terms allowed by your 3rd party license agreements. You may have templates, images, music, video, Pantone colors or fonts that cannot be legally transferred unless the client pays the necessary licensing fees to use them.  When in doubt, consult your attorney.

[abigirlm72791156]

Thanks for that insight Nancy. I hadn't thought about 3rd party licences. I appreciate it.